The exquisite blend of spices, creamy coconut milk, succulent pieces of chicken, and perfectly acidity of the tomatoes all in one mouth watering bite. The real magic, though, is that this isn’t just a recipe; it’s a make-ahead freezer meal.
Hello fellow food lovers, super parents, and caring friends who believe a delicious meal is a true gift! Today, we’re entering the irresistible world of Chicken Tikka Masala – a dish that’s all about tender, flavorful chicken simmering in a creamy, aromatic tomato sauce. As if that’s not enough, it’s Whole 30 Approved!
I can practically taste it now: the exquisite blend of spices, creamy coconut milk, succulent pieces of chicken, and perfectly acidity of the tomatoes all in one mouth watering bite. The real magic, though, is that this isn’t just a recipe; it’s a make-ahead freezer meal. Our Whole 30 Approved Chicken Tikka Masala is your back pocket special on those days when dinner prep just ain’t gonna happen.
Join us as we uncover the secrets behind this gem of a recipe. It’s the go-to solution for parents and friends alike, whether you’re juggling hectic schedules or simply looking to bless others. Get ready to dive into abundant flavor, convenience, and all the health perks Whole 30 has to offer!
Why you’ll Love this Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
Exquisite Flavors: A
Exquisite Flavors: A combination of tender chicken, aromatic spices, and a creamy tomato-based sauce meld together perfectly.
One-Pot Wonder: This make-ahead freezer meal only uses a crock pot, making cleaning up a breeze!
Restaurant Quality: The flavors of your favorite Indian restaurant come into the comfort of your own home, saving you both time and money.
Customizable: The level of spice is easily adjustable to suit your family’s preferences, making this a perfect meal for everyone.
Chicken Tikka Masala Whole 30 Freezer Meal Recipe
The exquisite blend of spices, creamy coconut milk, succulent pieces of chicken, and perfectly acidity of the tomatoes all in one mouth watering bite. The real magic, though, is that this isn’t just a recipe; it’s a make-ahead freezer meal.
Chicken: In lieu of chicken thighs, you may substitute for chicken breasts or tenders.
Chickpeas: If you’re looking for a plant-based option, substituting the chicken thighs for chickpeas is a great way to accommodate your dietary needs/restrictions.
Broth: Swapping the chicken broth out for vegetable broth is another substitution to make this more plant-based.
Additions:
Vegetables: Carrots, snowpeas, broccoli, and cauliflower add color, nutrition, and heartiness to this tasty Indian dish.
Ancho Chili Powder: To liven it up a bit, add some of this to your Chicken Tikka Masala!
How to Reheat and Store Chicken Tikka Masala leftovers
Best way to store delicious Chicken Tikka Masala leftovers?
To maintain the flavor and safety of your leftover Chicken Tikka Masala, it’s imperative to follow proper storage protocols. Kickstart the process by letting your leftovers cool to room temperature on the kitchen counter, with a watchful eye on the two-hour limit. Once sufficiently cooled, transfer them into airtight containers or resealable plastic bags, making certain that excess air is eliminated to thwart freezer burn or spoilage. Labeling the containers with the date is a vital step to monitor freshness. Should you anticipate prolonged storage, the freezer is the most reliable choice. Frozen leftovers can uphold their quality for several months, guaranteeing that you can conveniently savor your preferred dishes while minimizing food waste.
How long will quick Chicken Tikka Masala leftovers?
Good news for leftovers lovers! Your favorite dishes can stay fresh in the fridge for approximately 3 to 5 days. It’s a breeze to keep them delicious. First, let them cool down to room temperature within two hours after cooking, and then seal them up in airtight containers to lock in all those flavors. A little tip: don’t forget to label the containers with the date – it’s your secret weapon for tracking freshness. Now, if you ever find yourself with more leftovers than you can handle, don’t fret. The freezer is your friend! Just pop them in there, and they’ll be ready to delight your taste buds whenever you’re ready for them.
Can I freeze Chicken Tikka Masala leftovers?
Freezing raw before cooking is our recommendation, and storing in the fridge and consuming leftovers in the timeframe recommended above. To raw prep this recipe, simply label a gallon freezer bag according to your preferred method of labeling Then blend the sauce ingredeints together in a food processor or high-speed blender. Then add the chicken, olive oil, and tapioca flour to the gallon freezer bag and shake well. Then add the sauce, diced onions and bay leaf to the freezer bag as well. Remove as much air as possible from bag, seal, and freeze for up to three months. If you have already cooked the recipe and are looking to freeze your leftovers, allow recipe to cool to room temperature, then place leftovers in portioned containers or freezer bags as to avoid reheating multiple times, remove as much air from containers or bags and seal for storage in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
How to Reheat your Chicken Tikka Masala leftovers?
Chicken Tikka Masala reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop. If you are planning to reheat your leftovers in the microwave, make sure to find a microwave safe plate to use. Then portion your desired amount to reheat on the plate and microwave for 30-60 seconds. Stir in between each interval until your desired temperature has been reached. If you are wanting to use your stovetop for a more evened reheat, place your leftovers in a saucepan, warm over medium heat. Stir occasionally until your leftovers have reached a desired temperature.
Chicken Tikka Masala FAQs
What Indian food is whole 30 compliant?
Substituting butter with ghee, avoiding grains, legumes, and dairy, and using lean proteins and vegetable-based options can make many Indian dishes Whole 30-compliant. Chicken Tikka Masala fits well into a Whole 30 diet when prepared with compliant ingredients.
Which is healthier: butter chicken or tikka masala?
Chicken Tikka Masala, when prepared with lean meat and coconut milk, typically contains fewer calories and less saturated fat than butter chicken. Because of this, Chicken Tikka Masala is often considered a slightly healthier choice in comparison to butter chicken.
What is the healthiest Indian dish?
Indian dishes such as Tandoori Chicken or grilled fish with vegetable curry are generally considered healthy, due to their lean protein and vegetables. However, the healthiest Indian dish is entirely dependent on your dietary preferences and restrictions.
Why is Tikka Masala healthy?
Tikka masala contains protein, vitamins, and herbs with nutritional benefits, like turmeric, which is naturally anti-inflammatory. When prepared with lean chicken and Whole 30-approved ingredients, tikka masala is a healthy option.
Is there sugar in Tikka Masala sauce?
As with most things, if you buy store bought sauce, there is a good change that it may have added sugar. To avoud this, prepare a Whole30 approved sauce or chose a sauce made without sugar.
Is Tikka Masala a real curry?
Popular for its rich, creamy, tomato-based sauce, tikka masala is a beloved dish enjoyed worldwide. Although tikka masala doesn’t fit the traditional profile for curry, it is a beloved component of Indian cuisine.
How many calories are in authentic Chicken Tikka Masala?
When prepared with lean chicken and coconut milk, chicken tikka masala typically contains around 300-400 calories per serving. Its calorie content is entirely based upon preparation and serving size.
Is pita or naan healthier bread choice?
Between the two, pita bread is the better choice, especially when it is made from whole grains. Naan is made with refined flour and butter or ghee, making it less healthy than pita bread.
Is Chicken Tikka Masala high in carbs??
Because it has a tomato-based sauce, chicken tikka masala can have a moderately high carb content. The carb content can be reduced by substituting regular rice with cauliflower rice or other low-carb alternatives.
Is Indian food healthier than American food?
Both Indian and American cuisine offer healthy and unhealthy options, making it essential to choose mindfully within each. Indian food can be healthier when you choose dishes with lean protein, vegetables, a minimal amount of oil or ghee, and complying with Whole 30 guidelines.
Other Whole 30 Recipes you’ll love
Cashew Coconut Curry Whole 30 Approved
Tandoori Chicken Whole 30 Approved
Thai Chicken Curry Whole 30 Approved
Thai Coconut Curry Whole 30 Approved
Chickpea Potato Green Curry
Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later!
Don’t forget to come back and let me know how your Chicken Tikka Masala turned out!
As a full time working mom of four, I know how hard it is to find time (or energy) to cook. That’s why I’ve spent over a decade perfecting freezer meal recipes to make sure they’re not only quick to prepare but packed with flavors the whole family will love!
